How do I know if my dog has worms?
Coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy are the general signs the dog has worms. Other symptoms depend on the type of worm. For example, if your dog has a tapeworm, clear identifiers can be rapid weight loss or what appears to be grains of rice in their stool.
Heres how to tell if your dog has worms based on each of the major parasites:
Even if you pay close attention to the moods and actions of your pet, sometimes it can be difficult to tell if your dog has worms. But if you want to give your vet an idea of what is happening with your pet, these are some of the primary symptoms to watch for.
While all worms are dangerous to your pets health, experts generally agree that heartworms are the most troublesome. Since most dogs acquire heartworm through mosquito bites, a regular series of heartworm treatments are recommended to maintain your dogs health. Heartworms can grow and multiply in your dogs heart, causing lung and organ disease and death if left untreated. If you suspect heartworm, your knowledgeable, local veterinarian will perform a blood test to determine if your pet is ill. Note that youll need to test for heartworms before simply giving them medication, as dead worms in your dogs heart can cause major complications.
Signs & symptoms of worms in dogs
There are many signs of worms in dogs. Some are specific to certain species of worms, while other symptoms, like weight loss, anemia, malaise, and changes in appetite, are more general and can also be symptoms of many other diseases and conditions. Below is a comprehensive list of all the symptoms your dog might experience.
Symptoms of Worms in Dogs
Many puppies are born with worms, infected by their mothers transplacentally; others are infected shortly after, while nursing. This is why conscientious breeders follow a deworming schedule under the guidance of their veterinarians, and why puppy owners need to understand the signs. If your puppy is not growing, has a pot-bellied appearance, or is showing any of the other symptoms of worms in dogs, make an appointment with your veterinarian to see if worms—or something else—could be the culprit.
Worms can also affect adult dogs. Heartworms are particularly dangerous for dogs of all ages, and can be fatal if left untreated. Signs of heartworms in dogs include coughing, reduced activity, and malaise.
Intestinal worms can present with a range of symptoms, depending on the type of worm. Some worm larvae migrate through the skin (and other organs), which can cause dermatitis and skin inflammation. In large numbers, most worms can cause anemia as well as weakness, malaise, and changes in appetite and coat condition; weight loss is also common. Severe infestations can lead to other conditions, like pneumonia.
Finally, you may even see physical evidence of worms in your dog’s feces or around their rectum. Worms or worm segments may look like grains of rice or small pieces of spaghetti, but keep in mind they are not always visible.
Dogs can contract worms in a variety of ways, depending on the species of worm.
Puppies can contract parasites from their mothers, either during pregnancy or while nursing. Roundworms, for instance, can cross the placental barrier, so many puppies are born already infested. Puppies can also ingest hookworms with colostrum, the nutrient-rich milk puppies drink directly after birth.
Hookworms can be transmitted through infected soil. Transdermal infection occurs when this parasite penetrates the skin while dogs lie on infected ground. The eggs are also often ingested by dogs as they play, sniff, and groom themselves in infected areas.
Infected feces can transmit whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, and other parasites, which is why good hygiene around dog poop is crucial for both your health and your dog’s. Other forms of transmission include eating infested game (tapeworms), accidental ingestion of fleas (tapeworms), and mosquito bites (heartworm).
While knowing the symptoms of worms may help you identify a problem, the only way to tell for sure if your dog has worms—and what kind—is to consult your veterinarian. Using microscopic imaging and diagnostic tests, your veterinarian will determine if your dog has worms or another condition. It is always helpful to bring a fresh sample of your dog’s stool to your veterinary appointment.
Once your veterinarian has figured out what type of worm your dog has, you’ll be able to treat it with the appropriate medication. In severe cases, additional steps may also be needed to stabilize your dog until the parasites have been cleared from their system.
If left untreated, your dog can become seriously ill. Worms not only rob your dog of valuable nutrients but they can also damage your dog’s internal organs and even be fatal. This is why it’s important to consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may have an infestation.
How often should I treat my dog for worms?
As worms are most prevalent in puppies, your puppy should be dewormed at least once each month until they’re four months old.
As adults, your dog will not typically require proactive deworming as long as they are up to date on their monthly heartworm medication – most types also protect against intestinal parasites. Deworming is only required if they’re diagnosed with an infestation.
If you have an adult dog and are concerned about worms, talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s specific circumstances to make sure they are protected.
How to tell if your dog has worms
Have you been wondering what the most common symptoms of worms in dogs are? Worms in dogs are one of the most common dog health problems and, although the thought of worms in your pup may be unpleasant, it’s important to identify the symptoms of worms in dogs so you can begin treatment right away.